I WANT A HOLE ON TOP

He stood tall and addressed the barber with a straight face, “I want a haircut just like my dad’s!” Dad wasn’t there, so he replied, “And what kind of haircut does your dad have?” Without hesitation he said, “He has a hole on top!”

We laugh – but it is not new. Jesus’ comment to leaders who were doing as little as possible in matters of justice, mercy and faith said, “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” Matthew 23:24 (ESV)

Their spiritual lives had a "Hole on Top".

Its just another way of describing laziness of heart and spirit.
 

Jesus addressed the question of our life-span in much the same way, perhaps spreading his little finger and thumb to demonstrate a cubit – which was about eighteen inches, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” Luke 12:25-26 (ESV). The writer to the Proverbs said the same thing in a different way, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (ESV)
 

Thus a lazy person works harder to keep out of work, than to actually do it. It is surprising how little it takes to turn the tide. Someone, when asked about the concept, said, “Work fascinates me, I can stand and watch it for hours!” “A lazy person says, ‘There’s a lion outside! I’ll be murdered in the streets!’” Proverbs 22:17. (ESV) “In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven men who can answer sensibly. Proverbs 26:16 (HCSB)
 

But, today I want to dig a little deeper, to share my amazement at the simplicity of what Jesus said, “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 12:31-34, ESV) “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
 

Hear this, “It is your Father’s good pleasure!” He loves this! He longs to make giving people out of us; He says to sell what we have in order to be sure that we have the medium of exchange in our hands – also described as alms – in order to turn these “things” into expressions of heartfelt provision. It can be either the actual thing or its worth.
 

Look at what God gives in exchange for this gesture, (which is also demonstrated in James 1:27): Moneybags that don’t get old; treasure in heaven that does not fail; a place where thieves do not approach, and where moths do not eat.
 

James 5 indicates that if the children of God do not treat possessions in this way, they take the witness stand against us. Funny how idols mock us like this! They “burn the flesh with fire”, which God wants to turn into the peace of His provision, by providing the needs of the heart! (James 4:3)
 

Note in particular, the next statement, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Verse 34) The whole point of the passage is that we turn what we have for a short time, into what will last a life-time, and eternity. This takes thinking, praying, and loving – giving it our hearts.

 

Here is one way that it can work – We sell something with the heart purpose of love – keeping only what such an “exchange” will bring in “buying power” for the gift of love. If circumstances control the price – you will be amazed what a small amount will buy on the recipient’s behalf - since it is all about the heart, and love.
 

Doing it in a spirit like this, causes an admiration and appreciation that cannot be matched anywhere!
 

When covetousness is our focus, it shouldn’t surprise us that the heavens take on the image of an idol to be enslaved to. But when God who created life and “all things for us to enjoy”, becomes our model and opportunity to foster faith in others, it is amazing what we will experience in our own daily lives!
 

“The heavens declare the Glory of God, the firmament, (expanse, covering, somewhat like the silver covering of an idol), shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) As we, too, declare the Glory of God, the expanse shows His handiwork in our lives!
 

Heart change equals vision change. But, it is obviously more than that – Love begins to shine through as we change to this focus. Ironically I will need to “catch up to love”, but “love will also catch up with me!”
 

How much better to complete the work started in us by faith, thus covering our heads with Christ's "Helmet of Salvation", by having a heart of love. (Ephesians 6:17)

Hi! You chose a beautiful day to walk!

The comment came from a man delivering a notice of service suspension. The one walking had stopped him briefly to ask if he knew a friend from the same place of employment. The one walking had been listening to an mp3 player on a beautiful fall day. Motioning towards his headset, he asked, “What are you listening to?”

“I’m listening to the Book of Revelation”, he replied. Then, without giving him a chance to explain why he had asked, he continued, “I am listening to it, hoping the Lord will help me understand it better so that I can communicate the heart of its message better in a Bible Study group tonight.”

(He was also thinking to himself, “I am also here because someone didn’t call back to explain why they didn’t call back after a reminder of an appointment, only to find out that their young family had experienced the loss of a pet in the middle of the night. A part of the time spent in the middle of the night, was to explain how the pet would not come back.)

The man making the delivery said, “It sure looks like that Revelation is being fulfilled right in front of our eyes these days, doesn’t it! We are in troubled times. This reminds me that I also have unfinished business with God.” Then, thoughtfully, he said, “By the way, while you are walking, will you please pray for me?”

“I certainly will! In fact, I can do it for you right now!”

“Oh no! No! No!”, he stammered loudly, “Um, Um, I really need to be going now. I am supposed to be working. I really have my own private way of praying anyway!”

As he started the truck, he said, “But, I still do want you to pray for me as you walk. Will you?”

“I’ll be glad to! Have a great day!”

The conversation was over almost as quickly as it had begun, and the man went on his way.

As the walker resumed his exercise, he began to pray for the gentleman, and began to marvel at how the whole incident had occurred.

1. Curiosity had led to the incident. One was trying to understand the deeper message of Revelation, after an appointment had fallen through. The other desired to be kind to someone being given a warning, while also trying to find peace with his Maker. He was surprised at what the one walking was doing at the same time.
2. It was obvious that both were seeking the Lord. The Bible record has many stories of those who sought truth in God, and how they had met those who sought God’s word in order to have a heart for truth.
3. Both were at wits-end corner.
4. Both were attempting to understand the other person’s point of view.
5. Both were attempting to keep a “heart” secret. The man in the truck wanted answers to his prayers, but was afraid that he wouldn’t be accepted. The man walking was seeking God’s heart, not wanting to hinder someone’s search for truth. (Luke 18:10)
6. Both were attempting to live obediently, under authority. In this process, we learn to discern the difference between position and character. As they met, they both discovered.
7. The man walking remembered Matthew 8, where a centurion told Jesus about his compassion toward his suffering servant, asking Jesus to heal him. When Jesus offered to go to his house, he said he wasn’t worthy. Instead he told him that a simple word would bring the healing needed. Rather than condemn the man for not trusting Him, Jesus commended his faith, and spoke the word, and the servant was healed.

Which one do you identify with? One speaks of despairing hope, and the other of hopeless despair. Could it be that the Lord Jesus Himself, by the power of the Holy spirit arranged the entire incident?